If you want to wow on a small budget, be open-minded, set a mood and colour palette, and pick the most cost-effective options. This budget can cover a bridal bouquet, essential buttonholes (groom, best man, father), two or three bridesmaid posies and minimal reception flowers.

Sourcing flowers yourself will save on a florist’s labour costs but enlist the help of an expert for the bouquets and buttonholes. Opt for a tied bouquet over a wired one, says Victoria. For the displays, Philippa suggests large-headed blooms, such as amaryllis (winter) and hydrangeas (summer). You can also place cheaper stems (tulips, sweet peas, dianthus) in milk bottles or specimen vases for £5, says Shane. Avoid out-of-season or foreign flowers such as orchids. British blooms are cheapest in May to July. MORE FLOWER IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONWEDDING RECEPTION IDEAS

If you want to wow on a small budget, be open-minded, set a mood and colour palette, and pick the most cost-effective options. This budget can cover a bridal bouquet, essential buttonholes (groom, best man, father), two or three bridesmaid posies and minimal reception flowers.

Sourcing flowers yourself will save on a florist’s labour costs but enlist the help of an expert for the bouquets and buttonholes. Opt for a tied bouquet over a wired one, says Victoria. For the displays, Philippa suggests large-headed blooms, such as amaryllis (winter) and hydrangeas (summer). You can also place cheaper stems (tulips, sweet peas, dianthus) in milk bottles or specimen vases for £5, says Shane. Avoid out-of-season or foreign flowers such as orchids. British blooms are cheapest in May to July. MORE FLOWER IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONWEDDING RECEPTION IDEAS

This budget will allow you to fill the tables and set the tone at the ceremony. It will cater for larger wedding parties with up to five bridesmaids posies and eight buttonholes. Flower girls can have hair circlets of rose buds and foliage for £30 and gathered rose posies at £25. Your bouquet could include loosely tied roses, hydrangeas and textured blooms for £65, says Victoria. There’s also scope for another ceremony focal display and six bunches of season flowers for the pews.

You can have eight intricate tablecentres with a few pricier blooms – white roses can be combined with gypsophila for a modern look.

With this budget, each part of the day can be decorated with flowers to add a sense of drama. Displays can adorn the pews and key areas (allow £250-£500 for big arrangements). Flowers can be used on the table-plan display and even the toilets can be spruced up with vases. The bridal party can receive flowers as fits, and your wired bouquet, at £100-£200, won’t take up too much of the budget.

Your florist will look at how to use flowers to enhance the space, filling areas that look a bit sparse, adding a ceremony archway or canopy, or framing the top table with arrangements. Displays can focus guests’ attention and provide a magical setting. More expensive props can be used – Philippa suggests tall crystal candelabra for impact. Even with a big budget, a good florist won’t be wasteful. They may choose some imported flowers such as orchids, lily of the valley or calla lilies to add luxury to displays. MORE FLOWER IDEAS AND INSPIRATIONWEDDING RECEPTION IDEAS